42-inch Auburn Hills main break disrupts water service
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AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — A 42-inch transmission water main ruptured at River Woods Park at 1:30 a.m. Sunday, May 10, 2026, cutting service to communities including Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion and Rochester Hills and affecting about 10,000 customers, officials from the Great Lakes Water Authority and local municipalities said. Emergency crews cut and removed the damaged section early Monday, May 11, and craned a replacement segment into place by 11:15 a.m.; GLWA said welding, pressure testing and disinfection would follow before service restoration, targeted to finish Monday night. Officials issued conservation and boil-water advisories, opened distribution sites at Atwater Park and scheduled a May 12 update.
Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- 1975: Installation of the 42-inch transmission main intended for a roughly 100-year lifespan.
- 10 May 2026, 1:30 AM: Main ruptured at River Woods Park in Auburn Hills, cutting service to multiple communities.
- 10 May 2026, 10:00 AM: Officials held a press conference; conservation measures and boil advisories issued and distribution sites opened.
- 11 May 2026, early morning: Crews cut out and removed the damaged pipe section; replacement segment installed and welding began.
- 12 May 2026, 11:00 AM: Officials scheduled an update while GLWA continued pressure testing and disinfection prior to restoration.
Why This Matters to You
Your water service may be disrupted if you live in Auburn Hills and surrounding areas. Officials have issued a boil-water advisory. Check your local distribution sites at Atwater Park for bottled water. Keep an eye out for the May 12 update.
The Bottom Line
This unexpected main break affects roughly 10,000 customers. While repairs are underway, conserve water and boil any tap water before use. Worth forwarding if you know someone in the affected communities.
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Repair contractors, water suppliers, and volunteer organizations received immediate operational demand and work during repair and distribution efforts.
Approximately 10,000 customers across Auburn Hills, Orion Township, Lake Orion and Rochester Hills suffered restricted water service, boil advisories and disruption to daily activities.
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